Liverpool FC chairman Tom Werner believes another “important step” has been taken towards expanding Anfield after a legal agreement was signed with Liverpool City Council and Your Housing Group.
The ‘heads of terms’ document paves the way for the proposed £260million scheme to regenerate the Anfield area.
Liverpool FC will next week host a number of exhibitions so that local residents and fans will be able to view their ambitious plans to rebuild the Main Stand and the Anfield Road End.
Werner said: “We are pleased that great progress has been made with the city council and Your Housing Group about the plans for the regeneration of Anfield and the unique opportunity that gives us to stay at Anfield.
“We have always maintained that we need certainty in order to progress with our plans and the heads of terms is an important step on that journey.
“We are optimistic that we will realise our plans for the expansion of Anfield and look forward to the next step of the planning process.”
Werner, Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson and Kathy Cowell, chair of Your Housing Group, signed the legal document which sets out the agreed principles upon which a formal contract is subsequently entered into by the signatories. It also identifies the roles and responsibilities of the three parties.
It’s a significant milestone in the delivery of the project, which could lead to the creation of an estimated 770 jobs, as it allows each organisation to progress its respective schemes in the confidence that there is a legally binding agreement in place.
Anderson said: “This is another key step along in the delivery of the Anfield Project, which will bring a huge improvement in quality of life for many thousands of people.
“The signing today sends a very clear message to the people of north Liverpool and the wider city: a brighter Anfield is coming.”
The Anfield Project was launched in June 2013 and was followed by a six-week period of public consultation which revealed over 80% public support toward the outline proposals for regenerating the area.
This has been followed by the launch and consultation on a draft spatial regeneration framework in February and March, the results of which are due to be presented to the council’s cabinet next week.
As well as the proposed stadium expansion, the Anfield Project includes the following key components: Anfield Village and Rockfield housing refurbishment projects; new build housing; Walton Breck Road and the High Street corridor regeneration; a proposed training hotel; a proposed business hub; new public space, 96 Avenue and Anfield Square; the completion of Stanley Park and a proposed Hub in the Park.
Cowell added: “This agreement demonstrates the partners’ commitment to deliver the Anfield Project. We’d like to thank the local community for their continued support and patience and look forward to delivering the plans that will transform the area for the better.”
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